Tributes have been paid to a popular and "flamboyant" ex-councillor who has died at the age of 79.
Adrian Morris was a Labour councillor for Brighton's Queen’s Park ward between 2015 and 2019.
Colleagues and friends have shared memories and words about Adrian, who leaves a lasting legacy.
Councillor Jackie O’Quinn, former mayor and Goldsmid Labour councillor, met Adrian when they both joined the Labour Party administration at the same time.
Cllr O’Quinn said: “He was very devoted to the party and his cause and then he was elected in 2015 which was the same time I got elected.
“That was when I got to know him. He had such a colourful character.
“He was a man of great integrity. He was always very polite, such a gentleman to everybody.
“He was a good soul and he really cared about Brighton.”
Adrian was in a “devoted” relationship with the famed theatre critic and former Argus reporter Jack Tinker, who died in 1996. The couple lived in North Laine.
Cllr O’Quinn said: “He would regale us with stories about Jack Tinker, his partner.
“They had met just about everybody in the showbiz world, he even had stories about people like Elton John.”
Adrian’s “flamboyant character” was always a notable presence at Pride events, which he attended with Cllr O’Quinn and the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Authority, of which he was a member.
He had big ambitions in his career and wanted to make a real impact on the city.
Cllr O’Quinn said: “He was deselected in 2019 which was a bad blow to him.
"He always wanted to be mayor, it was a big disappointment to him.
“After that, he went out to Benalmadena in Spain and was president of the residents' association there, but he always kept his home in Queen's Park.”
Other former councillors took to social media to share glowing tributes to Adrian.
Warren Morgan, former Labour leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Adrian was a valued colleague and friend in the Labour group on the council, a great campaigner never afraid to speak his mind.
“A real character who will be missed but remembered fondly.”
Adrian served the Queen’s Park ward alongside Karen Barford, who said: “So sorry to hear the news. Adrian was a fabulous ward councillor with Daniel Chapman and I.
“Such lovely memories.”
Former Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle said in a comment on Facebook: “Very sad, we had disagreements but we also had great nights out and great stories he would tell.”
Andy Winter, former CEO of Brighton Housing Trust, said: “Adrian was a big man with a big personality.
“I always appreciated the support he gave to BHT Sussex and every year would shake a bucket at the bottom of St James’s Street as part of our Christmas appeal.”
Adrian's funeral details have yet to be finalised.
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